Cunha commission seeks info from public regarding Chamarajanagar Covid deaths

Bengaluru: The Inquiry Commission headed by former Karnataka High Court Judge Justice John Michael Cunha has put out a public notice seeking information about the circumstances leading to the death of Covid patients at the Chamarajanagar District Hospital nearly four years ago.

The Commission is set to inquire into the events leading to the deaths of at least 24 patients due to a lack of oxygen in the intervening night between May 2 and 3, 2021, to "determine the culpability of the officers or officials involved in the management of oxygen supply".

Initial reports that emerged pointed to a delay in oxygen supply from Mysuru to Chamarajanagar district hospital, with cylinders reaching several hours after oxygen sources had been exhausted.

The public notice, dated April 17, 2025, requests people who might know what happened and have interest in the proceedings to submit their statements along with documentary evidence in two copies, supported by an affidavit, in person or via registered post to the address: Justice John Michael Cunha Commission of Inquiry, Room No.8, 1st Floor, Old Building, Kumara Krupa Guest House, Bengaluru-560001.

They can also scan and sign statement of facts and supporting documents along with an affidavit and send an email to [e-mail].

They must do so within 30 days from when the notice is published.

Following a government notification on August 25, 2023, the Cunha Commission was set up to look into alleged malpractices by the health, medical education and other government bodies during the pandemic regarding medical management, procurement and distribution of medication and equipment in the state between March 2020 and December 2022.